TVXQ / DBSK ROCKS SMTOWN LIVE '08
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


Very much like Japan’s A-Nation, SM Entertainment’s first leg of their SMTOWN LIVE ’08 concert looked like a very successful project indeed.

Held at the Olympic Main Stadium, in Seoul. The much-awaited SM concert kicked off with some great (or should we say “HOT”) performances. TVXQ went reminiscing as they wore their school uniform costumes for their “Hug” performance. The fab-five also performed with other artists, collaborating with Super Junior, BoA, and CSJH.

Fans couldn’t contain their excitement and shared the experience the very minute they could come online. Fancams and photos were distributed everywhere for the worldwide fans to see. TVXQ forums were swarmed by incoming media files to the fans delight.

Sporting new attention-grabbing hairstyles, TVXQ looked like they were ready to make a new impression to their Korean fans. With their 4th album coming out this fall, fans are even more excited.

The group performed songs from the present and the past, including Hug, Through the Forest, Love is, O ~ Jung.Ban.Hap, Rising Sun, Purple Line, Tri-Angle (with SUJU, BoA, CSJH), Sedanma, Love in the Ice, Oasis, Hi Ya Ya, Balloons, Show Me Your Love (with SUJU).

SMTOWN LIVE ’08 will also rock Thailand (Bangkok), Beijing and Shanghai this year.


FANCAMS
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=SMTOWN+LIVE+08

SHINEE UNVEILS NEW ALBUM CONCEPT
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


SM Entertainment’s prodigy boy group, SHINee is set to release their first album. They recently released a teaser video of the group’s new album concept. The album title will be “SHINee - The First Album 산소같은너.”

Translated as “You're Like Oxygen.” In the video, the boys are shown sporting a mature look this time, compared to their previous young and colorful concept. Youngest member Taemin seem to have gotten rid of his mushroom / bowl-cut to the delight of some fans.

Now girls prefer to call them “HOT” as SHINee sheds the cute image (for a while) for this new album concept. But of course, they are still young; the cute and adorable image goes with that somehow. After all, they are still a very young group of boys.

No word yet has been mentioned about the album’s release. But some fans expect it very soon. And I think it’s about time they release something new. Hopefully their new song is as good as their “Noona is So Pretty (Replay)” hit song. LSM will make sure of that.

TVXQ / DBSK IN SPANISH NATIONAL TV
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez
Credits: tvxqparasiempre @YouTube + LadyAlexiel24 @YouTube + NakuChan + A3N


They are called the Rising Gods of the East. Dong Bang Shin Ki, known as TVXQ, DBSK, and TOHOSHINKI in Japan. The group known with four (4) names are formed by five (5) Korean lads. No one is more than twenty-one (21) years old.

Since four (4) years ago they were known as the Backstreet Boys of Asia. They sing in Korean and Japanese, but they recently had to translate their official website to English because their popularity is already crossing borders.

They began singing a capella in a TV show in 2003 on Christmas, and they also opened for Britney Spears’ concert in Korea. Even without a CD release available, their success had already given them two (2) hit songs in the top charts. Korea, Japan, China and Taiwan, surrender under their feet.

They sing, dance, make TV shows and of course they start trends. Here in Spain, people are starting to talk about them, and in places like Peru their fanclubs are growing up in numbers.

So watch out for Dong Bang Shin Ki, these almond-shaped-eyed popstars are starting to show up even at Karaoke!

MICKY YOOCHUN IS NOW A "BOWL-HEAD"
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


You probably remember Jaejoong’s short stint in trying out the famous “bowl cut”  a couple of months back. It didn’t last long, and he got rid of it on the next public appearance.

But apparently it was not just Jaejoong who is trying out the “mushroom cut” (aka “bowl cut”) that every Korean celebrity seem to be trying out these days.

To the surprise (and shock) of many TVXQ fans, Micky Yoochun suddenly walked out (of an establishment) sporting a dreaded bowl-cut himself. And apparently it’s indeed very very bowlish (from how it looks in the current pictures).

In fact his new hairdo is the talk of the town, and is a top search in many Korean sites. Of course pictures have leaked as well. One photo shows him talking on the phone, while walking through a parking lot. You can clearly see that he’s gotten rid of his ponytail, and with his new hair very much exposed.

Yoochun has always been one of the most daring ones when it comes to hairstyles. He’s not afraid to change his look. Apparently TVXQ will be in Korea a lot these days, and I think that has got something to do with this (Koreans seem to dig this hairdo more than anyone).

Anyway, I think Micky can pull it off with this look. I admire his bravery, hehe. Hmmm... but guess I have yet to see better pictures.


[ UPDATE! ]

Well, by now there's been new pictures of Yoochun sporting his new 'do. Below is some recent pictures with a clear view on Yoochun's bowl-cut. As expected, it doesn't look bad at all like others think it would be. It actually suits him and gives him that cute innocent look. It's like Yoochun at 7, hahaha!

RUMORS CONFIRMED ~ MUSIC STATION REFUSES TO ACCEPT TOHOSHINKI AS GUESTS
A New Fever - DBSKer
By: S-Diary + aleyna @JpopMusic Forums + Luffa @DBSKer


I guess what we all thought about Music Station conspiracy was true.

S-San (one of the Japanese staff members of Tohoshinki) made a recent post in his blog confirming the rumours about Music Station's refusal to invite DBSK into their program.

Many fans have been speculating for quite some time the reason why DBSK never appeared on the show, especially with the recent #1 on weekly Oricon (their third one, which broke a record as foreign artist with three #1s). DBSK has been consistently in the top 10 weekly in Japanese Oricon charts with their singles and last album. Music Station usually invites singers in top 10 in Oricon atleast once to perform. However, this has not been the case with DBSK, as S-San points out even with the insistence of the company to let them on fairly.

Their lack of promotions in such a major show as Music Station has become jarringly apparent and discussion spring up everytime they release a single as to why they are still not invited. Majority say that its because of Johnny's Entertainment stronghold on Music Station, pointing out that no bands/artists that posed a threat to that agency have ever been invited.

S-San never expicitly states the show's name, however he mentions that Tohoshinki was on the show's #1 list this week, yet still weren't given the chance to perform.

The post also explains the lack of sales of the group, owing to the fact that they are still placed in Foreign Artist category in music stores even though they should be under Jpop. Fans who recently visited Japan confirmed this. They all found it quite hard to find Tohoshinki's CDs in stores, sometimes they were not there at all. Many times, they were put under K-pop or Foreign Artists section. So this really explains why sales get poor after promotions stop ... their CDs aren't in visible places for someone just browsing the Jpop section can pick up and see.

I was wondering how S-San posted about this sticky topic, knowing how hush-hush Japan usually is about these matters. He sounds frustrated, and is probably making his last desperate attempt to try to change the situation - by letting fans know what we all sort of feared existed behind the scenes (of the group not exactly getting equal oppotunity), isn't going away anytime soon. But he urges fan and says that "...the store's customers will have the most impact". The fans in Japan must speak up to store managers about DBSK's CDs being put under "Foreign Artist" section instead of where they rightfully should be - under JPOP.

SHINEE AS “HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS” IN SCHOOL OF ROCK
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


Fans, and curious Kpop lovers were stunned to see SHINee’s guesting on Mnet's School of Rock (Summer Special), which was recently aired yesterday July 24. And it’s not just because they surprised high school students with their sudden visit, but also because they showed how they’d looked like as “high school girls.”

It was hilarious. Key and Onew looked cute as girls, but the youngest member, adorable bowl-head Taemin amazingly looked the best. His gentle smile suited his disguise as a girl. He could have fooled anyone in some of the episode's promotional pictures.

The episode has been uploaded by netizens in various streaming sites. So if you want to watch that show you can watch it via YouTube. Please note that the videos are not subtitled for now.


VIDEOS
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=shinee+school+of+rock+080724

DETAILS
TVXQ / DBSK / Tohoshinki / 東方神起
3rd LIVE TOUR 2008 ~T~ [ DVD ver. ]
July 1, 2008 (by SpiderLiliez)
MP3 Format
320 kbps / 44 kHz
Japanese
Live / Pop / Live Band


TRACKLIST

• TRICK
• NO PAIN NO GAIN
• Choosey Lover + Talk
  
• Song for You
• You're My Miracle
• NO?
• Darkness Eyes
• Day Moon ~ハルダル~
• Purple Line ( ~ updated! )
  
• Forever Love
• Lovin You
• CLAP!
• Ride On
• Rainbow ( ~ uploaded! )
• Asu wa Kuru Kara
• Last Angel ( ~ uploaded! )
• Beautiful You
• SHINE + Somebody to Love
• High Time ( ~ uploaded! )
• Rising Sun
• Talk + Summer Dream
• Together
• Love in the Ice + Talk
  
• Kiss したまま、さよなら

DOWNLOAD LINK {{ UPDATED! }}
[ CD ] ~ http://www.megaupload.com/?d=JR5JK9S4

SM ENTERTAINMENT AND SBS PRESENTS TVXQ / DBSK : THE UNTOLD STORY
AsianFanatics
Credits: Jaejoong Island


SM Entertainment, in partnership with Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS) have announced its new program to come in the fall to focus on South Korea's FAMOUS personalities about their untold stories and never been seen interviews of the celebrities' family.

The first chapter will start with TVXQ's U-Know Yunho, to tour us in his home town Guangju, his abandoned favorite hang-out, and his handmade toys in his attic room. In addition to this, meet his family and closest childhood friends, his dream house as well as his emotional side will capture your hearts even more.


Chapter 1: TVXQ The Untold Story

- Episode 1 - Yun Ho: The County Boy
- Episode 2 - Xiah Junsu: The Mountain's Peak
- Episode 3 - Micky Yoochun: The American Dream
- Episode 4 - Choi Kang Chang Min: The Priceless Stairs
- Episode 5 - Jae Joong: The Street Lights


Chapter 2: BoA
Chapter 3: Super Junior (13 Episodes)
Chapter 4: Kangta

AVEX PUSHES BACK TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's SINGLE PROMOTIONS
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


TOHOSHINKI’s 23rd single, Doushite Kimi wo Suki Natte Shimattan Darou [ どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう ] was originally set for release on July the 23rd, but AVEX released it earlier on July 16th to avoid some possible hard competition with other big names. But they seem to have changed their minds now.

Their Japanese management, AVEX recently pushed back all promotions for the single to a later date this month, leaving fans wondering what exactly AVEX have in mind. Their new single topped the ORICON Daily on the first day of release [ on the 16th ] even without proper promotions, and amazingly with a very huge lead. But so far, their rank on the Daily Chart has been dropping out of the TOP 10, but fans believe they are still leading by the units.

Some fans think that AVEX have full confidence in the group’s reputable status as “Jpop” artists, that no matter what happens TOHOSHINKI could still do well and maybe top the ORICON once they officially start promoting. This means fans can’t really expect to see TOHOSHINKI perform their 23rd single, どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう until they start doing an all-out promotion for it.

The group is very much pre-occupied these days, and they'll be flying back and forth to Korea and Japan, since they are busy preparing for their 4th Korean album, which is due this August. They are also getting ready for AVEX’s annual A-Nation tour and promotions for their 23rd single in Japan.

It is evident that TOHOSHINKI will not fully focus their activities in Korea alone. It’s too important for SM (and AVEX) for the group to continue doing necessary appearances in Japan just to keep their star status there.

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ IN ORICON #1, HITS RECORD SALES!
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez


It doesn’t come as a surprise anymore, but it really is amazing!

TOHOSHINKI is continually making history when yesterday (July 16), at the release of their 23rd Japanese single, “どうして君を好きになってしまったんだろう” topped the ORICON Daily Singles chart with massive sales of over 30,000+ on the first day (which does not include 20,000+ other unit sales bought from other outlets not counted by ORICON), and the numbers are likely to increase by the thousands in the coming days.

Their 22nd single, “Beautiful You” which took 22,000+ sales on the first day, and “Purple Line” got 16,000+ on its first day of release. The increase in each single is truly very impressive. It just shows how TOHOSHINKI is constantly impressing music audiences everywhere, gaining more and more fans despite the increasing number of promising new comers of popstars in the Asian region.

The ORICON Charts is regarded as an equivalent of the U.S. Billboards in Asia, as Japan is considered to be the 2nd largest music industry in the world next to the U.S. The ORICON gets their data drawn from some 3,020 retail outlets (as of January 2008), including online stores like Tower Records, HMV Japan, CD Japan and others.

With how the way things are going, it’s a sure-fire that TOHOSHINKI could actually top the ORICON Weekly chart again. They are doing such a marvelous job and I hope they continue to inspire and impress. But what is really amazing here are the fans who have continually given their love, time, energy (and of course money) for this splendid group of talented young men.

Despite the countless number of download links available on the internet, with determination, you (the fans) have constantly supported them by buying their original CDs and DVDs. You guys make TOHOSHINKI and your fellow fans very proud. Kudos to everyone!

CRUEL SCHEDULE, SUPER JUNIOR INJURED ~ "THERE IS EVEN NO TIME TO BREATHE"
Hankooki + Hangeng's Baidu Bar
Translation: miss scarlett @Asianfanatics + shinroo @BLG


Carrying both big and small injuries, the Super Junior members are active with very busy schedules.

On the 12th, Super Junior held their concert in Thailand, titled "Super Show - The 1st Asia Tour in Bangkok". Because of the concert, Yesung's old waist injury reoccured, causing Yesung to suffer difficulties during schedules. Leeteuk was also injured at the concert. While performing Leeteuk slipped, spraining his right foot. Kangin, Sungmin, and other members are still currently suffering from severe fatigue. Their injuries are due to their cruel schedules in both Korea and overseas, causing many of the members to suffer severe fatique and minor injuries.

Starting from the 8th, Super Junior bounced in a tight schedule from Korea to Japan, back to Korea, and then to Thailand. On the 8th, the group held their first fanmeeting in Japan in the Nippon Budokan, and on the 9th the members exchanged business cards with fans and had a handshake meet. After the Japan fanmeeting they returned to Korea to participate in variety show recordings, and on the 11th they immediately flew to Thailand, completing the 2nd stop for their Asia concert tour on the 12th.

In the early morning of the 13th Super Junior-Happy members, with Heechul and Kibum, flew back to Korea, not even having a moment to rest. The subgroup immediately performed on SBS's Inkigayo that same day to promote their single. Super Junior-M members, however, remained in Thailand for their fanmeeting, and it was delayed an hour because Hangeng passed out in his hotel room.

Due to the group's hectic schedules, the members' are physically exhausted, causing them to be more easily exposed to injuries. Luckily, none of their injuries are extremely serious. Fans are already very concerned over the group's tight schedules in Korea and overseas.

Group leader Leeteuk stated, "Our schedules are now all around Asia. Many of our members are now getting injured. Our bodies may not be well, but after receiving so many support from fans, we feel delighted and happy while working on our schedules."

Next month on the 15th Super Junior will participate in "SMTOWN LIVE '08" that will be held in the Seoul Jamsil Stadium. The same concert will soon stop by Beijing, Shanghai, and Bangkok. Super Junior's Asia concert tour schedule will also continue.

SUNG JIROO ~ "XIAH JUNSU, I LOVE YOU!" SURPRISING CONFESSION
NEWSEN
Translation: lovekr


Sung Jiroo has recently confessed his love for Dong Bang Shin Ki’s Xiah Junsu through a video message.

On KBS’s Sang Sang Plus Season 2 due to air on the 8th, Sung Jiroo said he would like to act with Xiah Junsu. Recently Sung Jiroo reached number one on internet seach engines. Something only extremely popular stars are able to accomplish, the reason for Sung Jiroo’s number one search was all thanks to Xiah Junsu.

Xiah Junsu claimed, “If I were to act I would like to be like Sung Jiroo” in an interview that had surfaced online, which immediately made Sung Jiroo the number one searched subject on the internet.

Sung Jiroo said, “One day, all of sudden, my friends kept texting me congratulations. I was wondering what happened, so I stopped to check at a nearby internet cafe, and upon seeing ‘Xiah Junsu-Sung Jiroo’ searched I was even shocked.”

Originally not familiar with the group Dong Bang Shin Ki, he looked them up and now he says he is a fan. On the episode of Sang Sang Plus Season 2, he left a video message for Xiah Junsu saying “If there is a chance, I would like to act with you.” He ended his video message with cute “I love you!”

Sung Jiroo’s video message will be shown on Tuesday the 8th, 11:05PM on KBS’s Sang Sang Plus Season 2.

SNSD TRANSFORMED PERFECTLY INTO RIVAL WONDER GIRLS
NEWSEN + boxclub @ Soshified Forums


On KBS 2TV Music Bank's broadcast on the 4th, SNSD performed Wonder Girls' Tell Me and showed off their impressive vocal abilities and perfect dance routine, gathering the attention of the viewers.

For this performance, SNSD's singing, dance and of course the outfits became exactly like the Wonder Girls. Moreover, the cute expression that comes with the "omona" was done with the cuteness that only SNSD could do.

The viewers said "SNSD showed a different charm than Wonder Girls" and "SNSD's vocal abilities is the best among idol groups" and "Although it should've been burdensome since they are rival groups, it was hard to find any awkwardness in the performance."

The nation's representative idol girl groups performed each other's hit songs, switching off on "Kissing You" and "Tell Me". They also performed their own hit songs "Girls' Generation" and "Baby Baby" as well as "Irony" and "So Hot."

Another person said "SNSD and Wonder Girls singing each other's songs and dancing showed a new kind of performance. Although it was another group's song, they sang it, and did a perfect rendition with passion" and "Granted, they are two groups both competing for popularity, but they came together and encouraged each other."


SNSD ~ "TELL ME"
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=SNSD+tell+me

WONDER GIRLS ~ "KISSING YOU"
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=wonder+girls+kissing+you

SUPER JUNIOR-H, WONDER GIRLS, ETC., PARTICIPATE IN ANTI-SMOKING CAMPAIGN MV
WONDERLAND


Super Junior H, Wonder Girls plus 16 other singers will join forces to film a MV for the Ministry for Health Welfare and Family Affairs anti smoking campaign.

The Ministry for Health Welfare and Family Affairs expressed: To promote our 2008 anti smoking campaign, “Say No, Save Life!” campaign, we have invited Super Junior, Wonder Girls plus 16 other popular singers in Korea to join in the filming of the “Say No” MV which will be subsequently broadcast on tv. The various singers and groups will sing the campaign song (which you can hear on the official website) with the “Say No” stickers on palm, etc.

The MV version starring Super Junior will be shown through SBS Inkigayo on 6th July while the Wonder Girls version will be shown a week later on 13th July. The versions featuring other singers will be shown subsequently.

The MV can also be viewed through the “Say No” official website. ( click here )

TOHOSHINKI / TVXQ's 23rd SINGLE's B-SIDE, "BOX IN THE SHIP" MAKING WAVES
SpiderLiliez LiveJournal
By: SpiderLiliez
Media: melinrain @youtube


I was just browsing some news earlier and found out about “Box in the Ship.”

Though only a B-side for TOHOSHINKI’s 23rd single (Doushite Kimi wo Suki Natte Shimattan Darou?), the song “Box in the Ship” has been floating around like a treasure wanting to be found. Thanks to the audio previews that has been popping out recently at music and video sharing sites. We got a chance to hear this happy upbeat song.

The song has a sunny, summer feel to it, it even reminds me a lot of the Caribbean beaches. The genre is a cross between reggae and pop. It’s a very catchy song, and it's just another reason why you should buy the single. I’m quite certain they’d be singing this song in A-Nation which will take place late July until the end of August. The song is just perfect for A-Nation and the summer season.

Below is the preview for “Box in the Ship” thanks to DNBN.